NSW to push ahead with abuse inquiry

Date: November 21 2012

NSW will go ahead with its own inquiry into the handling of child sex abuse allegations in the Hunter region, Premier Barry O'Farrell says.

Earlier this month, Mr O'Farrell announced his special commission of inquiry in response to the claims of Detective Chief Inspector Peter Fox that police and the church in the Hunter area had hindered investigations into abuse allegations.

On Wednesday, the premier released the terms of reference for the inquiry, saying there was no indication Mr Fox's "serious" claims would be investigated by a national royal commission announced by Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

"The terms of reference for the national royal commission have yet to be finalised ... but it now seems clear from recent comments of the federal attorney-general (Nicola Roxon), that the royal commission is likely to be a high-level investigation," Mr O'Farrell told parliament question time on Wednesday.

"To date there has been no indication that it will examine the types of claims Peter Fox raised about the way clergy abuse (allegations) were, for instance, handled by his superiors.

"While I am determined to avoid duplication between state and federal inquiries in this important area, NSW will proceed with our special commission of inquiry."

Mr O'Farrell said the inquiry, to be headed by Margaret Cunneen SC, would have two terms of reference.

The first will investigate claims Mr Fox was asked to cease his investigation into Father Denis McAlinden.

It would also look at whether the Catholic Church "hindered or obstructed" the investigation, including "the discouraging of witnesses to come forward, the alerting of alleged offenders to possible police actions, or the destruction of evidence".

"These terms of reference have been carefully drafted to make sure Commissioner Cunneen has all the authority she needs to carry out her inquiry," Mr O'Farrell said.

"We will make sure the victims are heard and we will make sure any guilty people - whether they are offenders or whether they have been party to a cover-up - are identified and dealt with."

Mr O'Farrell said the special commission of inquiry would report back on or before April 5 next year.

This material is subject to copyright and any unauthorised use, copying or mirroring is prohibited.